Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV 177

Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ, BWV177 is a chorale cantata written by Johann Sebastian Bach. The title means "I call to You, Lord Jesus Christ" in English. The cantata is performed for the fourth Sunday after Trinity. It was written in Leipzig. It was first performed on 6 July 1732. The cantata is based on Johann Agricola's hymn of the same name.

 History 
In 1724, the fourth Sunday after Trinity happened on the same day as the Feast of Visitation. Bach wrote Meine Seel erhebt den Herren, BWV 10, a chorale cantata for the Feast of Visitation. He did not write a cantata for the fourth Sunday itself. In 1732, Bach wrote BWV 177.  He completed his second chorale cantata cycle. The text of the cantata is from Johann Agricola's hymn.

 Structure 
The cantata has five movements. The cantata is written for SATB choir, soprano, alto, and tenor soloists, a solo violin, two violins, a viola, basso continuo, a bassoon, and two oboes.
 Chorus: 
 Versus 2 (alto): 
 Versus 3 (soprano): 
 Versus 4 (tenor): 
 Versus 5 (chorale): 

 References 

 Other websites 

 BWV 177 Ich ruf zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ English translation, University of Vermont
 Listening guide by Julian Mincham

Category:Church cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach
Category:1730s compositions